Government Contractor Cybersecurity & Compliance FAQ
What is CMMC 2.0 and why does it matter?
As of November 10, CMMC 2.0 (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) is the Department of Defense framework requiring contractors to demonstrate measurable cybersecurity maturity. It’s not a one-time audit. It’s an evolving standard that ensures your people, processes, and technology continuously meet federal expectations. Epoch guides contractors through every phase, from readiness assessments to policy implementation and ongoing maintenance.
Why should we pursue CMMC?
Because CMMC isn’t just a requirement- it’s a competitive advantage. Contractors who achieve compliance early position themselves as low-risk partners, making it easier to win and keep contracts. As more companies delay compliance, early adopters stand out and take the lead on bids that require proven security maturity.
CMMC also raises the barrier to entry in the defense ecosystem. Strong cybersecurity isn’t something organizations can fake at the last minute. It requires real processes, documentation, and cultural change. By investing now, your organization becomes harder to replace and more attractive to teaming partners who need compliant subcontractors. Early compliance strengthens your credibility, reduces contract friction, and ensures you’re ready when enforcement becomes mandatory.
How long does it take to become compliant?
Compliance isn’t achieved overnight. Most organizations spend six to eighteen months preparing for certification, depending on their starting point, complexity, and internal adoption. We help you build a realistic roadmap that prioritizes critical gaps first, then works toward sustainable cultural change and long-term security maturity.
Why does compliance require organizational change?
Because cybersecurity isn’t just IT- it’s behavior. Achieving and maintaining CMMC or NIST 800-171a compliance means employees follow secure practices daily: strong passwords, incident reporting, proper data handling, and continuous awareness. Epoch supports leadership teams in building this “security culture” through training, documentation, and accountability.
What’s the difference between NIST 800-171 and CMMC 2.0?
NIST 800-171 defines the specific security controls contractors must meet. CMMC 2.0 adds a verification and certification layer, proof that those controls are actually in place and effective. We help organizations align both frameworks by mapping your controls to required evidence and preparing for future audits.
What happens if we fall behind on compliance?
Falling behind can mean more than missed contracts. It can impact trust with primes, auditors, and federal partners. But it’s fixable. We help you create an improvement plan, remediate findings, and re-establish compliance through continuous monitoring and documentation updates, not panic before an audit.
How does Epoch support our compliance journey long-term?
We act as your compliance partner, not just your IT vendor. That means quarterly reviews, ongoing vulnerability management, and policy coaching that keeps your organization audit-ready as regulations evolve. Our goal is to make cybersecurity maturity part of your daily operations, not a box you check once a year.